Urban Development Minister briefs about works carried out in 100 days in office

Kathmandu, Dec 24: Urban Development Minister Kul Man Ghising has stated that works such as reconstruction and infrastructure improvement in sectors affected by the Gen Z movement and natural disasters has been rapidly progressing.

Minister Ghising held a press conference at the ministry today on the occasion of completion of one hundred days since he took charge of the ministry to publicise the details of the works carried out through the Urban Development Ministry.

According to him, significant work has been carried out in rebuilding structures damaged during the Gen Z movement, expanding urban infrastructure, waste management, river conservation and the development of long-term urban planning.

During this period, four non-performing contracts under the ministry have been terminated.

Minister Ghising stated that the reconstruction of 140 government buildings with minor damage (green sticker) caused during the movement has reached its final stage.

He mentioned that a detailed damage assessment of 249 buildings with partial damage (yellow sticker) and 51 buildings with total damage (red sticker) is underway through 'fast track' process and that the tender process for reconstruction will be initiated within mid-January.

In the sports sector infrastructure, the first phase of construction of the TU Cricket Stadium and the installation of 'High-Mast Floodlights' have been completed and handed over. Additionally, the master plan of the Kirtipur Cricket Stadium has been approved, and the process of securing resources equivalent to Rs 10 billion for the second phase of construction has been initiated, Minister Ghising stated.

According to him, the hurdles observed in managing the waste generated in the Kathmandu Valley have been resolved through negotiations, and the Bancharedanda landfill site has been brought into operation.

Minister Ghising stated that water distribution in the valley has been resumed after resolving the issue through talks regarding the closure of the source of the Melamchi Water Supply Project.

He said the concept paper for the Greater Lumbini Area Development Project has been approved and sent to the Ministry of Finance. Work is underway to finalise the Integrated Urban Development Roadmap for the valley under Kathmandu Vision.

The Minister has stated that under policy reforms, the process of preparing the Right to Housing Regulations-2082, the Bagmati Action Plan (2025-45), amendments to laws related to Municipal Development Fund, and Rural Infrastructure Development Policy has been moved ahead.